20241101Comment_1.pdf

From: Prathamesh Puralkar<pratha [e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, November 1, 2024 11:48 AM
To: secretary
Subject: Case No.ASP-W-24-03-Comments for proposed rate hike
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID, 83720
Hello,
I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the proposed monthly water rate hike of
305.87%.This increase is not only excessive, but it also raises significant questions about fairness
and transparency.
First and foremost, a rate hike of this magnitude is too much for our community to bear. Many
residents are already facing financial pressures, and such a steep increase would further strain
household budgets.
Additionally, it is important to consider how this proposed rate compares to those of other water
companies in the county. For reference, below are the monthly water rates for subdivisions around
the area.
Reserve (Sam's Hollow Water)
• Lot Water Annual Fee$200
• Home Water Annual Fee$560
B LW POA
• Homes: $175.00+ Usage Sept-Aug
• Lots: $0 for empty lot
BLW HOA
• Homes: $150.00+ Usage Jun - May
• Lots: $50 for empty lot
City of Bloomington
• Water&Sewer$53 Total
• Water$29 and Sewer$24
Moreover, I am particularly troubled by the potential conflict of interest arising from the fact that the
owner of the water company, Bart McKinnon, is also developing two new subdivisions(down the
road) and is currently building a new pumphouse to supply water to these projects.This situation
raises serious ethical concerns about prioritizing profit over the needs of existing customers.We
must ensure our water rates are set fairly and do not benefit private interests at the expense of the

community. Our two subdivisions should not be charged so much additional monthly fees to
support a developer's additional subdivisions when he is making market price for developed lots.
I also want to highlight a discrepancy regarding the current hookup fee.The proposal lists this fee as
$1,000; however,we paid $5,000 last year to hook into the water line.This check was paid directly
to Aspen Creek Water Company, and we were told this was to pay for the maintenance and supply
of the pump house. Plus, an additional$2000 to our contractor for work that was supposed to be
done by the Water Company(Pit Setter, Metter,Tap Main Water Line, + all Excavation) none of these
extras were covered in our$5,000 to the water company. I also built another house in 2021 and had
to pay$3500 to Aspen Creek Water Company and had to pay my contractor to Pit Setter, Metter,Tap
Main Water Line, +all Excavation.This inconsistency raises further concerns about the accuracy
and transparency of the company's pricing practices. I do think there needs to be an audit and I
would like to know my rights to get these funds returned if the current connection charge is only
$1,000.
1 am concerned that currently there are no meters for individual homes and there is a monthly flat
fee for each home irrespective of the home size and water consumption. I believe that metering
each home would be a fairer approach. For instance, a large 7,000 square foot home with a large
indoor swimming pool cannot compare to my 2-bedroom 2-bathroom 1,300 square foot home.
I urge you to reconsider this proposed rate hike and to engage with the community to find a more
equitable solution.Transparency in decision-making and an open dialogue with customers are
crucial to restoring trust and ensuring that our water utility serves the best interests of all residents.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters. I hope for a resolution that reflects the
needs and concerns of our community.
Sincerely,
Taylor Eynon and Prathamesh Puralkar
[e-mail]
929-257-2229